In this Leading with data episode, we have with us, Prithvi Chandrasekhar, the driving force behind consumer finance at InCred. With a rich background spanning renowned organizations like Capital One, Accenture, and McKinsey, Prithvi brings a wealth of experience in analytics and data-driven decision-making. In this insightful conversation, we explore his journey from the inception of data analytics to leading a dynamic team at InCred. Discover how Prithvi’s passion for building enduring organizations intersects with his commitment to social impact, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring data enthusiasts and business leaders alike.
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Now, let’s look at the details of our conversation with Prithvi Chandrasekhar!
I started my career long before terms like analytics or data science were coined. My first job was at Procter and Gamble India, where I was drawn to the power of rigorous analysis of quantitative and sometimes qualitative data. This work gave me conviction in its substance and impact. From there, I moved to consulting, which allowed me to delve deeper into market opportunities and business strategies. Eventually, I joined Capital One, which was essentially an analytics company, and later moved on to consulting stints at Accenture Strategy and McKinsey. Now, at InCred, I practice what I once preached about analytics and data-driven decision-making.
The decision to return to India was personal and sentimental. My wife and I wanted to come back home, be closer to our aging parents, and give our children a sense of their roots. InCred presented a significant commitment as it is an India-facing business. Joining InCred was a chance to create a company as great as Capital One right here in India, which resonated with me then and continues to do so.
InCred has been a successful journey from the start. We began operations in 2016, and today we’re an 8500 crore NBFC, part of a larger group that includes investment banking and wealth management divisions. We’ve grown from 20 people to about 1500-2000 across the group. Despite our size, we still see ourselves as just getting started, with plans to expand our book size and operations further.
Two aspects I care deeply about are creating a great place to work and committing to intellectual rigor or truth-seeking. At Capital One, we were proud of being recognized as the best place to work, and we strive to replicate that at InCred. We treat people well, hire the best, and provide opportunities for personal growth. As for truth-seeking, it’s about staying true to the data and evidence, persisting until you get to the crux of what’s really going on, and making informed decisions.
Firstly, it’s about setting an example from the top. I try to embody truth-seeking and intellectual honesty in my work. Secondly, it’s about surrounding myself with people who respect and support this culture. Thirdly, it’s about being nuanced in decision-making, combining hard data with pragmatic solutions. Lastly, celebrating our successes reinforces the culture, making it easier to bring the next generation into this way of thinking.
We were confident from the beginning that we would grow into a diversified business, so we built with that end in mind. While it made execution more challenging, it has proven to be the right decision, providing stability and resilience against the various economic shocks India has faced.
In 2016, I believed that India’s infrastructure was ready for the Capital One style of data-centric, algo-based decision-making. The quality of data and decision-making in India is now better than most parts of the western world, thanks to advancements like UPI, Aadhaar, credit bureaus, and supportive regulatory environments.
While I believe generative AI will have a transformative impact in the long term, I don’t see it changing our business significantly in the next 3 to 5 years. We’re observing the technology and may experiment with it, but we’re waiting for the hype to settle and for more practical applications to emerge.
Your career will span decades, and you’ll need both horizontal skills—like communication and leadership—and vertical skills—deep knowledge in specific areas. Start your career doing what you enjoy, and as you progress, work on developing the other dimension of your ‘T-shaped’ skills. This approach will prepare you for a long and fulfilling career.
“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” is a favorite of mine, teaching the harmony between arts and sciences. For career-oriented reads, I recommend “Data Science for Business” for analytics fundamentals, “Fooled by Randomness” for understanding the role of chance, “Skin in the Game” for insights into risk and decision-making, and “Deep Work” for the importance of focused, uninterrupted work. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is also a classic that offers timeless advice.
Cricket has taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and resilience. My interactions with Rahul Dravid, a cricket legend and InCred’s brand advisor, have been enlightening. He’s not only a great ambassador for our brand but also genuinely interested in understanding our work. His curiosity about the world beyond cricket and his ability to engage with people from different walks of life are qualities that I admire and learn from.
Prithvi Chandrasekhar clearly stated that his dedication to creating impactful organizations resonates deeply. His journey exemplifies the transformative potential of analytics in business. With invaluable insights on fostering a culture of truth-seeking and the importance of continuous learning, this conversation offers a roadmap for the evolving landscape of data science and leadership.
For more engaging sessions on AI, data science, and GenAI, stay tuned with us on Leading with Data.
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